When you buy health or life insurance, it’s very important, to be honest with your insurance company about any illnesses or health issues you already have. If you don’t share this information, it could result in your claims being rejected, your policy being cancelled, or you having to pay extra fees. Knowing why telling them about your health is important can help you avoid these problems and make things easier with your insurer.
In this guide, we’ll look at why sharing information about pre-existing conditions is necessary, how it affects your insurance, and what might happen if you don’t.
What are pre-existing diseases?
Pre-existing conditions are health conditions or injuries for which a member has the signs and symptoms or received medication, advice, or treatment before starting a health insurance plan. These can include long-term illnesses like diabetes, heart problems, asthma, or even mental health issues like anxiety or depression. In the UAE, health insurance companies usually ask for your medical history when offering coverage, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
Why is disclosing pre-existing diseases to your insurer in the UAE important?
Not telling your insurance company about a pre-existing disease is a mistake many people make when buying health insurance.
Why does this happen?
When you apply for health insurance, the policy is given based on the information you share in the form you fill out. The insurance company trusts that everything you write is true. If you have a pre-existing disease, you are supposed to mention it in the form honestly.
But if you hide your pre-existing disease, it breaks the trust. If the insurance company finds out about it later, your policy will be cancelled, and they can refuse to pay any health claims. This means you will lose the money you paid for the policy.
That’s not all.
In some cases, you might even face legal problems for giving false information and committing fraud. To avoid these issues, it’s best to be honest about any pre-existing diseases you have.
List of pre-existing diseases:
Here are some of the pre-existing diseases that people in the UAE usually come up with:
| Pre-existing Condition | Description |
| High Blood Pressure | It is a condition where the blood force against the artery walls is too high. |
| High Cholesterol | A health issue where there are high levels of fats (lipids) in the blood. |
| Diabetes | A condition that affects how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). |
| Asthma | A respiratory condition that causes difficulty breathing. |
| Thyroid | A disorder affecting the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism. |
| Epilepsy | A neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures. |
| Cancer | A condition where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the body. |
| Pregnancy | A condition where a woman is carrying a developing fetus. |
How to tell your insurer about pre-existing conditions in the UAE?
- Collect medical history: Gather all important papers, like diagnosis reports, test results, and treatment plans related to your condition.
- Contact your insurer: When buying health insurance, contact the company and ask how they handle pre-existing conditions.
- Fill out medical forms: Complete any medical forms they give you. Be honest and clear about your health issues and any treatments you’ve had.
- Submit extra documents: If your insurer asks for more medical papers, like letters from your doctor, make sure to submit them.
- Check policy details: After you get your policy, carefully read the rules about pre-existing conditions. Ensure you understand any waiting periods or exclusions.
- Update your insurer: If your health condition changes, tell your insurance company immediately so that your coverage can be updated.
Getting health insurance with a pre-existing condition in the UAE:
Getting health insurance is now possible even if you have pre-existing health issues. However, pay attention to the waiting period for certain conditions. Some insurers may cover a pre-existing condition with no waiting period when declared, and a loading premium is paid.
Helpful tips for buying health insurance with pre-existing conditions:
- Compare different plans and their waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. Pick the one with the shortest waiting period.
- See if the insurer charges a higher premium for coverage for your pre-existing conditions. If so, choose the plan if the benefits are worth the cost.
- Don’t stress over common health issues like colds or fevers. Insurers do not usually treat these as pre-existing conditions.
- Be honest about your health when applying for insurance. Hiding information can lead to denied claims or a cancelled policy.
- Some policies require you to share the cost of pre-existing conditions. Try to avoid these if possible.
What’s the bottom line?
So, by now, you must have learnt the importance of disclosing pre-existing diseases to your insurer in the UAE. In the region’s strong healthcare system, health insurance is very important to protect you from unexpected medical costs. Telling your insurer about pre-existing conditions is key to getting the right coverage. It also helps avoid your claims being denied or facing legal problems. While sharing this information might increase your premiums, the benefits of having the right coverage outweigh the risks of not telling the truth. Being honest with your insurer gives you peace of mind and makes sure you have the medical help you need when something happens.
If you’re navigating coverage options for pre-existing conditions, this guide can help you understand how to choose the right plan. It’s also a good idea to explore what health insurance typically covers to ensure you get the most from your plan.
Additionally, comparing the best health insurance companies in the UAE and knowing what key details to check with your provider can help you make the smartest choice for your needs.
Platforms like InsuranceMarket.ae can simplify finding the right plan, ensuring that your coverage is comprehensive and tailored to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Why is it important to tell your insurer about pre-existing conditions?
Pre-existing conditions can make insurance more expensive because they show that you have a higher risk of health problems. Insurers may charge higher premiums to cover these risks. Being honest about your conditions when applying helps ensure you get a fair price for your insurance.
Q. Can I get health insurance with pre-existing conditions in the UAE?
Most health insurance companies in the UAE offer coverage for pre-existing conditions. However, they might charge higher premiums or include a waiting period before covering those conditions.
Q. How does a pre-existing condition affect health insurance?
A pre-existing condition can make your health insurance more expensive. If you have a pre-existing illness, you might have to pay a higher premium compared to someone without health issues.
